Container



Sept. 21, 1965 3,207,420

OCTAVIANO DE J. NAVARRETE-KINDELAN CONTAINER Filed May 19, 1964 3Sheets-Sheet 1 ME 8 5 a I M HH Sept. 21, 1965 3,207,420

OCTAVIANO DE J. NAVARRETEKINDELAN CONTAINER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May19, 1964 Sept. 21, 1965 3,207,420

OCTAVIANO DE J. NAVARRETE-KINDELAN CONTAINER Filed May 19, 1964 3Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG l5 1 STATION I 40:

FIG l6 STATION 1 H618 sTAT|0N 11 FIG]? STATION 11 8 sTAT|oNs 1,121,111,PUNCHING OR REPEAT sTATToNs 11,111,111,

T SCORING AT RIGHT ANGLES FIG|9 STATION 111 FIGZO STATION IY FIG. 2|

Fl G122 STATION m United States Patent 3,207,420 CONTAINER Octaviano deJ. Navarrete-Kindelan, 2214 Park Blvd., Santurce, Puerto Rico Filed May19, 1964, Ser. No. 368,503 9 Claims. (Cl. 229-56) This invention relatesto the fluid packaging art. More specifically, this invention relates toan improved family of containers wherein a relatively large volume of atleast one of great variety of materials in fluid form may be insertedinto a container .according to the invention and thereafter selectivelywithdrawn in relatively smaller amounts.

The word fluid as used in describing this invention is intended to begiven its broadest possible connotation; by way of example, it isintended to encompass (a) liquids in a wide range of viscosities whichmay contain a wide range of suspended and dissolved solids, and (b)solids in very finely ground form. The instant invention is directed foruse with any substance which (a) may be packaged by container structuressuch as those subsequently described, and (b) has at least one physicalstate, or may be placed in a physical condition, in which it may flow.Thi invention, as will hereinafter be described in detail, may beproduced in many different forms, each having particularly desirablefeatures. Also, as used in this specification, the word substance isintended to include a mixture of substances in fluid :and/ or solidifiedform.

In the use of modern day containers, it is well known to packageproducts in containers whose size is scaled to the amount of the productwhich it may be anticipated will be consumed in unit amounts. Forexample, because the anticipated quantity of grass seed consumption bythe average home owner may generally be anticipated to be in multiplesof five pounds, it is common practice for grass seed companies topackage their products in five (5 pound bags. Individual doses of agreat number of medications have been similarly packaged in recenttimes.

More recently, containers have been developed which hold, in separatecompartments, from two to one hundred or more individual unit amounts ofthe packaged product. In such containers the packaged product will mostcommonly be in solid, pill-like form.

The use of these well known containers has been limited and restrictedfor two reasons, one relating to considerations of cost in the creationof these containers and the other relating to the physical state of thepackaged product. It has been found that the cost of a container whichis designed to package in separate container compartments a large numberof inexpensive products will frequently approximate or even exceed theactual cost of the packaged product. This high cost factor isparticularly noticeable in those instances where the capacity of thepackage is small. It can be seen, therefore, that from an economic viewpoint the use of such containers, as presently known, can only bejustified in those instances where the prime reason for such packagingis not cost, e.g. where sanitary requirements dictate their use or wherethe cost of such packaging is economically advisable because ofincreased demand for the product as thus packaged.

When the substance to be packaged is in fluid form, problems in additionto those just described have been experienced by workers in the art.These problems have been particularly vexatious where it has beendesired to withdraw the packaged substance in relatively smallquantities in the fluid state. In the latter case, it has been foundnecessary to provide individual fluid-tight chambers or compartments inthe container to avoid premature withdrawal of unwanted portions of thepackaged substance. Additional problems are presented in the case ofpackaging fluids which relate to simple-to-construct but reliablepackage sealing means which must be provided to insure that none of thefluid initially packaged will subsequently be prematurely lost. Manyattempts have made by persons active in the packaging art to provide acontainer which i susceptible to high-speed, low-waste initial packagingof substances in fluid form when packaged and the selective withdrawalof portions of the substance unaccompanied by waste or fluid handlingproblems. For one reason or another, none of these attempts has beenfound completely suitable nor has any been universally used, as far asis known.

According to the present invention, it has been found that a wide rangeof substances in fluid or fluid-like form may be packaged in apractical, disposable container which may readily admit a large volumeof the substance to be packaged in a single, rapid and reliable fillingoperation with little or no resulting waste.

It is a feature of this invention that containers may be constructedfrom readily available packaging materials. It is a further feature ofthi invention that containers may be constructed which are particularlysuitable for dispensing packaged substances in relatively small,individual quantities. It is also a feature of this invention that withbut slight modifications to the basic principles of the invention,containers may be adapted to dispense their contents in either fluid orsolidified form. It is yet another feature of the invention that thecost of containers according to the present invention may be maintainedat such a low level that the ultimate disposal thereof is of noconsequence in view of the advantages such containers possess overpresent packaging units. It is still another feature of the inventionthat containers according to the invention may be constructed in a widevariety of shapes from a variety of materials so as to be suitable toachieve the objects which follow with respect to a wide range ofsubstances.

It is accordingly, a primary object of the present invention to providean improved container, disposable in form, which may be filled easilyand simply with a substance in fluid form, and yet with geat facilitypermit the closure of the container and the selective withdrawal of thecontents thereof in fluid or solidified form as desired.

It is another object of the invention to provide a container of theforegoing type which may be constructed at low cost by means of readilyavailable materials which nevertheless will permit suitable operation ofthe cont-ainer according to the invention.

It is a further object of the invention to provide fluid containers ofthe foregoing type which are adapted to be constructed in a wide rangeof sizes and shapes and which may readily be useable with household and/or industrial substances which when in fluid form have a wide range ofviscosities and which may include almost any proportion of suspendedand/ or dissolved solids.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a container theencasing walls of which need not be especially shaped to adapt thecontainer for use as a package for a wide range of substances when influid or solidified form.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a contained whichmay be constructed in completed form prior to the entry of the packagedsubstance therein and which may be used to dispense the substance inselective, relatively small amounts in solidified form.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a particularly usefulfluid seal mechanism which may be constructed so as to be sealmaintaining during use and/or semi-automatic in operation.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a simple method bywhich multi-compartment containers according to the invention may bereadily filled with a fluid substance and thereafter sealed so as topremit the withdrawal of selected, relatively small, portions of thesubstance in the fluid state.

These and further objects and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent upon reference to the following specification, claims andappended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is'an isometric view of one form of container according to thepresent invention showing in dotted line a perforated panel-type fluidentry structure.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic layout in plan of the internal fluid-flowcontrolling structure of the container of FIGURE 1 with the position ofa semi-automatically sealing, perforated, panel-type fluid entry shownschematically in dotted line.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic layout in plan of a container similar to that ofFIGURE 2, incorporating, however, a diflerent fluid-flow-controllingstructure.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic layout in plan similar to that of FIGURE 2incorporating another fluid-flow-controlling structure and also adifferent fluid-entry structure.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic layout in plan similar to that of FIGURE 2incorporating yet another fluid-flow-controlling structure and a fluidentry structure similar to that shown in FIGURE 4. 7

FIGURE 6 is a schematic layout in plan similar to that of FIGURE 2incorporating still another diflerent fluidflow-controlling structureand a fluid entry structure similar to that shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is a schematic layout in plan of a fluidflow-controllingstructure wherein the flow of fluid substantially throughout thecontainer is in one serpentine flow path and selective removal ofportions of the fluid when in solidified form is facilitated by tearstrips or strings. schematically shown in FIGURE 7 is a semiautomaticfluid seal mechanism of the same general type as that shown in FIGURESl-3.

FIGURE 8 is a schematic layout in plan of another form of containeraccording to the present invention.

FIGURE'9 is an isometric exploded view of one form of a self-sealingfluid entry structure showing the path of fluid therethrough.

FIGURE 10 is a sectioned isometric detail view, taken along section lineA-A of FIGURE 9 of the self-sealing fluid entry structure of FIGURE 9showing the path of fluid therethrough.

I FIGURE 11 is an isometric exploded view of another self-sealing fluidentry structure showing the path offluid therethrough.

FIGURE 12 is a sectioned isometric detail view, taken along section lineBB of FIGURE 11, of the self-sealing fluid entry structure of FIGURE 11showing the path of fluid therethrough.

FIGURE 13 is a schematic side view of another selfsealing fluid entrystructure showing the path of fluid therethrough.

FIGURE 14 is a schematic side view of yet another self-sealing fluidentrystructure showing the path of fluid therethrough.

FIGURES 15 through 24 depict the successive steps involved in one methodby which the interconnecting fluid passageways of a container such asthat of FIGURE 8 may be closed.

FIGURE 15 is a sectioned view taken along section AA of FIGURE 8depicting the condition of the container at Station I of the fluidpassageway closing process.

FIGURE 16 is a sectioned view takenval-ong section BB of FIGURE 8 alsodepicting the condition of the container at Station I of the-fluidpassagewayclosing process.

FIGURE 17 is a sectioned view of the container sealing press assemblyand the container of FIGURE 8, the section as to the container beingtaken along a section line similar to that of BB of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 174- depicts the condition of the container at Station II of the fluidpassageway closing process.

FIGURE 18 is another sectioned view of the container Sealing pressassembly and the container of FIGURE 8, the section as to the containertaken along a section line similar to that of BB of FIGURE 8. FIGURE 18depicts the condition of the container at Station III of the fluidpassageway closing process.

FIGURE 19 is a sectioned view of the container taken along a sectionline similar to that of BB of FIGURE 8 depicting the condition of thecontainer after it emerges from Station III of the fluid passagewayclosing process.

FIGURE 20 depicts the fact that at Station IV of the fluid passagewayclosing process the sealed sections of the container are punched orscored.

FIGURE 21 depicts the fact that at Station V, VI', and VII of the fluidpassageway closing process the container is rotated and the operationsperformed at Stations II, III, and IV repeated.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged plan view of a section of the container ofFIGURES 1 and 2 illustrating the condition of the container uponcompletion of the fluid passageway closing process.

FIGURE23 is a sectioned view taken along section line C-C of FIGURE 22.

FIGURE 24 is a sectioned view taken along section line DD of FIGURE 22.

Referring more particularly to the figures of the drawing, there isshown in FIGURES 1 and 2 a container 2 according to the presentinvention. It may be seen, particularly in FIGURE 1, that the container2 is generally configured in the form of an envelope having opposedpanels shown generally at 4 and 6 in FIGURE 1. Predetermined sections ofpanels 4 and 6 are sealed or welded together as at 8 in FIGURES 1 and 2in a manner which subsequently will be described and which createcompartments 9 interconnected by means of the discontinuities in seals8. A fluid entry structure 10 is provided to permit ingress of a fluidsubstance to be held by container 2. Fluid entry 10 includes a fluidentry portal 12 (FIGURE 1) and an outer portal-covering panel 14 havinga terminal flap section 16. The fluid entry structure issemi-automatically sealingin nature in a manner which shall be describedin greater detail with respect to FIGURES 9 through 14 of the drawing.The path of fluid flow within the container of FIGURES 1 and 2 is shownby the arrows in FIGURE 2. Upon entry of the fluid substance withincontainer 2, the portions of panels 4 and 6 which are not sealed expandfreely and achieve a general shape which is predetermined by theparticular disposition of seals or welds 8.

FIGURES 3 through 7 disclose a small fraction of the myriad ofalternative seal 8 positioning schemes that may, under appropriatecircumstances, be deemed particularly desirable. The compartmentsresulting from a container having seal sections 8 such as those inFIGURE 4 will be of generally diamond shape, whereas the compartmentsresulting from a container having seal. sections such as those inFIGURES 5 and 6 will be of generally hexagonal configuration. Theparticular seal disposition chosen will depend on many factors includingthe viscosity of the fluid substance involved and the number, positionand configuration of the fluid entry structure.

FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 disclose an alternative fluid entry structure 10which consists basically of a generally tubular or funnel shapedpassageway connected to the body of the container structure. Similarly,in FIGURE 7, there is schematically disclosed athird alternative fluidentry structure which will be more fully described with reference toFIGURES 9 through 14.

Referring to FIGURE 8, another form of container structure according tothe present invention is disclosed. As will be discussed in greaterdetail, particularly with respect to FIGURES 15 through 24, this form ofconthe container substance in fluid form. Also disclosed in FIGURE 8 isthe inclusion in a single container structure of more than onesemi-automatically sealing fluid entry structure, The reason for such aprovision will be discussed anon.

Referring to FIGURES 9 through 14, there are disclosed a series ofrefined fluid entry structures each of which contains asemi-automatically operated sealing mechanism. FIGURE 9 discloses inexploded detail the relationship of the basic elements of one form ofsemiautomatically sealing fluid entry structure according to the presentinvention. They are: container panels 4 and 6; tabbed cover strip 22 andadhesive-containing panel 20. As may best be seen in FIGURE 10, panels 4and 6 are sealed together along line 8. Also, panel 20 is sealed topanel 4 along seal line 8 which is of generally U shape leaving anupwardly and outwardly extending opening through which fluid may flowinto the container. The flow of fluid through this fluid entry structureand into the container is illustrated by the large arrows in FIGURES 9and 10. It may be seen in FIG- URES 9 and 10 that this form of fluidentry structure includes the provision of a fluid entry portal 12 incontainer panel 4 and an air vent 26 which is provided to permit theescape of air from the container as fluid passes through the entrystructure.

With respect to tabbed cover strip 22, it may be seen that in the formof the fluid entry structure contemplated by, and disclosed in FIGURES 9and 10, this cover strip is associated with panel 20. The cover strip 22includes a portion extending outwardly from the container which may beclasped by a person utilizing the container with which it is associatedfor reason discussed below. The remainder of cover strip 22 extends (a)downwardly within the container to overlie portal 12 in panel 4 and then(b) in a reverse manner upwardly in juxtaposition with the inner surfaceof panel 20. Coated on the inner wall of panel 20 is adhesive 24 of thepermanently tacky type which is well known and readily available on themarket. This adhesive firmly grasps thereto the related portion oftabbed cover strip 22 so as to prevent inadvertent removal thereof fromthe container.

Subsequent to the passage of fluid through the entry structure ofFIGURES 9 and 10, the tabbed cover strip 22 may be pulled upwardly,resulting in (a) the peeling away of this strip from adhesive 24 and (b)the thorough, fluid-tight engagement of the adhesively coated surface 24of panel 20 with the portion of panel 4 surrounding portal 12 and airvent 26.

Referring to FIGURES l1 and 12, there is disclosed a fluid entrystructure and seal mechanism quite similar to that of FIGURES 9 and 10,but wherein the tabbed cover strip 22 and panel 28 are both providedwith portals 12 and both positioned intermediate primary containerpanels 4 and 6 in a manner similar to that in which panels 13 and 14 arepositioned intermediate panels 4 and 6 in FIGURES 8. It may be seen thatupon ingress of fluid through the fluid entry structure of FIG- URES 11and 12 as shown by the large arrow in FIGURE 12, the associatedcontainer body will fill. Concurrently with the filling of such acontainer fluid pressure within the container will tend to (a) exert anoutward force on panel 28 (b) placed in tension that portion of panel 4overlying tabbed cover strip 22 and panel 28. Accordingly, upon thestripping away of cover strip 22 from the adhesive surface 24 on panel28, both of the aforementioned forces will tend to bring the adhesivesurface of panel 28 in particularly intimate contact with the opposedportion of panel 4. It may therefore be seen that because of the natureof the forces exerted on the area of adhesion between panels 28 and 4,the primary stresses on these panels will be in shear. The shearresistance of the commonly known permanently tacky adhesives is,however, very high: the seal effected between panels 28 and 4 of FIGURES11 and 12 is therefore extremely strong and reliable. It has, in fact,been found that containers according to the present invention whichutilize the fluid entry structure and seal mechanism of FIGURES 1 1 and12 have a higher resistance to bursting in the area of adhesive jointurethan in any other part of the container.

FIGURES 13 and 14 disclosed other modified forms of the invention whichthe fluid entry structure and seal mechanism of the present inventionmay take. In each figure, the lines of sealed engagement between thepanels are shown by the numerals 8; the path of fluid entry throughportals 12 is shown by directional arrow and the direction of pull onthe tabbed cover strip 22 is also shown by directional arrow.

With respect to FIGURES 9 through 13, in particular, it may be seen thattabbed cover strip 22, once used, becomes detached from thecontainer-fluid-entry structure inasmuch as no seal engagement existsbetween any portion of such strips and the adjacent panel elements.

Referring to FIGURE 14, however, it may be seen that the portalled paneland tabbed cover strip structure are combined into one panel section 30which is sealed to primary panel sections 4 and 6 along lines 8. Uponupward pull of tab 32, sections 34 and 36 of tab 30 will be drawn apartand thrust upward, and adhesive-containing section 34 of tab 30 will bebrought into firm engagement with that portion of panel 4 surroundingportal 12 therein. As previously explained with respect to theembodiment of the invention disclosed in FIGURES 11 and 12 of thedrawing, the pressures resulting from the containment of fluid withincontainer panels 4 and 6 will, with respect to the FIGURE 1'4 form ofthe invention also, result in forces being exerted on the area ofadhesion between panels 30 and 4 which will tend to maintain thesepanels in intimate contact. If desired, adhesive may also be disposedalong section 38 of panel 4 so as to engage the area surrounding portal12 in panel 30 upon the upward pull of tab 32.

The material preferred for the manufacture of any particular containeraccording to the present invention may vary widely depending largely onsuch factors as the intended use of the container, the physical,including chemical characteristics of the materials which it willcontain and similar considerations. Thermoplastic synthetics such aspolypropylene, polyethylene and cellophane have been found desirableparticularly because of the ease with which they may be selectivelysealed or welded. Also have, however, a wide variety of coated andspecially-treated papers. It may be stated that the characteristics ofthe materials deemed generally suitable for the construction ofcontainers according to the present invention are thin or film-like inconfiguration, slightly stretchable and possessing physical includingchemical characteristics such that a container made therefrom may infact contain and dispense, under all anticipated conditions of use, thesubstance to be contained thereby.

The primary container panels 4 and 6 may be constructed from a flatsheet folded upon itself longitudinally or transversely to the axis ofthe container, or from a total or partial tubular section, or by twoseparate flat sheets of the same or of different materials sealedtogether along their peripheries.

The dimensions, number and shape of the fluid containing compartments,as well as the number, dimensions and location of the openings betweencompartments, may also be varied to suit the substance contained, theportions required, the manner of filling and closing, and assubsequently discussed, the method of extracting selectively thecontents.

The method chosen for sealing or welding together selected portions ofthe container panels may be any one of those presently known by the artwhich is suitable t the particular material used for the specific case,including pressure, thermal and ultrasonic sealing methods.

The final shape of each container compartment, as previously discussed,is set by the disposition of the container seals and also to a lesserextent by characteristics and amount of the fluid filling it. For someuses it may be advantageous to produce a particularly solid shape; thismap be accomplished by pleating or crimping the primary containerpanels. It has been found that when stretchable materials are used forthe container panels, it is desirable to cup both of the primary panelsin the same direction allowing the fluid pressure to spring outwardlythe concave-shaped side of one of the panels upon filling. The methodsfor producing these effects are well known by those skilled in thepackaging art.

With respect to the fluid entry structure, the precise nature,positioning and number utilized in any particular container will dependon such factors as the substance to be contained, the material of theenvelope, the method of filling, and the necessity of maintaining or notan air or gas space in the container. The ingress or egress of fluidthrough the fluid entry structure of the invention which are notsemi-automatic in operation, such as those disclosed in FIGURES 46 maybe by any of the methods known in the art for the respective materialsused such as by tying a knot in or about such entry structure, or byapplying. a suitable spring-loaded clamp similar to a clothes pin.

Industrial uses of the invention generally involve the presence oflittle or no air inside the container. The container structure of theinvention, however, has been found to be readily adaptable for use byprocesses and apparatus well known in the art even Where the packagingof fluid substances in the absence of air is required. It has in factbeen found that filling containers of the invention which utilize alarge number of fluid containing compartments can be greatly facilitatedby the application of partial vacuum to the outside of the container.

Itis a prime feature of the invention that the container envelope issusceptible to be opened by individual compartments or by groups ofcompartments. When the packaged substance is to be extracted insolidified or frozen form, the very solidified or frozen state of thesubstance will enable the ready removal of selected portions of thecontainer contents without the necessity of special provisions beingmade to protect the unused portion of the container contents. In thiscase, all that is necessary to withdraw a portion of the packagedsubstance is to breach the integrity of the container. This may be doneby means of pull strips or strings laminated or built into the envelopesuch as shown in FIGURE 7 at 39 in the case of a hard i-ce being formedby the frozen contents, as in ice making applications. Also, byspecifically configuring compartments 9, the solidified material itselfmay be used as the instrument for breaking the container in the desiredmanner and to the extent required to permit the issue of the contentsfrom as many compartments as needed. For example, the pointed ends ofthe diamond shaped compartments of FIGURE 4 maybe used for this purpose.

The above described forms of the present invention provide particularlyuseful and desirable containers. This may be seen from a briefdiscussion of one of their many usesthat of an ice cube maker, retainerand dispenser.

For one of many reasons it may happen that a family may desire aquantity f ice cubes which is in excess of that available even frommodern refrigerators having automatic ice cube manufacturing units. Thecommon solution to this problem is usually the purchase of one or more25-50 pound bags of ice cubes. These bags are usually left in anabove-freezing atmosphere until their use is desired. Frequently, theexisting refrigerator trays containing ice cubes are emptied in an areaoutside of the freezing compartment of the refrigerator in an attempt toprovide readily accessible reserve cubes. The trays are thenirefilledwith fluid to give an additional supply of cubes when needed.

In both of the above situations, however, when consumption of the storedice cubes is desired they most often have agglomerated to .one degree oranother because they have been kept in an above-freezing atmosphere fora prolonged period of time.

The present invention provides a simple yet non-wasteful solution to theabove problem. The containers of the invention may be stored in largequantities almost indefinitely prior to use. The storage area requiredis extremely small inasmuch as the thickness of the container panelsmay, for home use, be on the order of 0.0015 inch. When their use isdesired, one or more may be filled with water, or tea, or orange juiceor whatever fluid is desired to be solidified. The disposition of thecontainer seal lines 8 results in the automatic forming of the ice ortea or orange juice cube configurations as the container is filled. Uponsolidification of this fluid, the container may be removed from thefreezing compartment of, e.g., a household refrigerator and stored in ahome cooler or the storage area of the refrigerator itself. If perchancesome small amount of fluidation of the cubes should occur during storagethis is of no consequence inasmuch as the container compartments, andtherefore the enclosed cubes, are always maintained separated from eachother by the very configuration of the container. If such fluidation hasoccurred to some slight degree,-it takes little or no more effort toindividually withdraw portions of the solidified contents of a containeraccording to the invention than if such contents were entirelysolidified.

If the packaged substance .should melt in its entirety prior to anyportion thereof being withdrawn, there would be no waste because thecontainer is fluid-tight. Mere refreezing of the container prepares thepackaged fluid for its desired use.

The outer shape of the container may be varied to suit any particularlydesired use. Containers according to the present invention may beconstructed having circular peripheries so as to be particularlydesirable with picnic coolers. Also, as will presently be described, oneaspect of the invention comprehends the complete sealing of compartmentsunder certain circumstances. It is a feature of this invention that thisaspect of the invention may be utilized to seal off groups of fluidcontaining compartments from one another. In such instances a multitudeof fluid entry passages may be used as shown in FIGURE 8 and provisionsmade for the opening of each compartment of any group independently ofother container groups (as by configuration of the solidified contentsof the container or the use of tear strips or strings 39 of FIGURE 7, aspreviously described, or by the use of perforated seal strips as willsubsequently be described). Such a container structure will minimizeeven the possi bility that any solidified substance will be ultimatelylost upon the opening of a portion of the container and the return tothe fluid state of the remainder of the packaged contents.

Where it is desired to extract the contents of any given containeraccording to the invention in fluid form, it becomes necessary to closeoff the communicating links between the container compartments to insurethe retention of that part of the contents not needed at the moment.This closing operation involves the application first, of high frequencysound waves while the line of points to be sealed is held in an elevatedposition to free the areas to be joined of the presence of the substancecontained. The seal is then completed by the use of either heat,pressure, ultrasonics or the like. The sealed area may be wide enough toinclude a line of perforation or scoring, to facilitate breaking off theindividual compartments, which can then be opened in any practicalmanner such as cutting with knife or scissors or hand, or with the helpof" some built-in device like the tear strips or strings previouslymentioned with respect to FIGURE 7.

Referring to FIGURES 15 through 24 of the drawing, one method by whichthe interconnecting fluid passage- 9 ways of a container such as that ofFIGURE 8 may be closed is set forth.

At Station I (FIGURES and 16) of such a process, it may be seen that thefluid passageways of the container under consideration have portions 40and 42 through which fluid may flow subsequent to the completion of thefilling of the container. Stations II and III (FIGURES 17 and 18) ofsuch a process involve the actual sealing off of a portion of theinterconnecting passageways. In FIGURES 17 and 18 a press 44-46 havingheating elements 48 and high frequency sound wave vibrators 50 of a.well known type are schematically shown. However, as previouslyindicated seals may be eifectuated also by means of well knownultrasonic equipment among others.

At Station IV (FIGURE 20) the sealed surfaces of the container (seeFIGURE 19) are punched or scored to facilitate the tearing away ofindividual sections of the container without fear of accidentaldestruction of adjacent sections of the container.

At Stations V through VII (FIGURE 21) the container is rotated 90 andthe operations involved at Stations II through IV are repeated tocomplete the seals. It should be understood that with differentlyconfigured multichambered container structures, the complete sealing ofthe chambers of such a container may involve a single sealing operationor many. A container configuration similar to that shown in FIGURE 8 isparticularly desirable in that such will preclude the unevendistribution of fluid in the container compartments during the sealingoperation. For example, at Station 11 it is contemplated that a sealwill be completed along seal column 9 from one end of the container tothe other. The configuration of the container of FIGURE 8 is such thatafter this particular operation, equal amounts of fluid will becontained on either side of seal column 9. Similarly, the completion ofthe remaining sealing steps will, if a symmetrical container is used,merely result in progressive re-subdivision of the contained fluid, theend result being that little or no variation will exist between theamounts of fluid contained in the individual container compartments.

Referring to FIGURES 22 through 24, the completely sealed container isshown at 2. It may be seen that the disposition of perforations 52 aresuch that individual sections 54 of the container may be readilyremoved.

The foregoing features of the invention may be combined in a vast numberof different ways to fill a wide variety of packaging problems. Thefollowing table of variable, combinable features is presented toindicate the multitude of possible container combinations that exist. Asimple symbol-and-position code is used in which the unit section ofeach number refers to whether the contents are kept solidified or fluidthroughout the use of the container; the tenth section to the manner inwhich the container is filled; the hundredths section to the contents ofthe container prior to filling; the thousandths section to the type ofclosure utilized, and finally, the ten thousandths section to the methodof opening the container.

Using the above code, a model suitable for frozen orange juice could bedesignated 1.423,l meaning that the packaged substance is dispensed insolidified form (1); filled under vacuum with pressure feed (1.42);sealed by one of the standard industrial methods (1.423) and opened by atear strip or string (l.423,1).

TABLE OF COMBINABLE FEATURES 1.000,0 for home or industrial use. Fluiddispensed in solidified form Fillable:

1.100,0 by simple gravity flow 1.200,0 vacuum assisted flow 1.300,0pressure assisted flow 1: 1.400,0 pressure and vacuum assisted flow 1 0Atmosphere in Container:

1.010,0 Air space 1.020,0 Vacuum 1.030,0 Gas space Closure:

1.00l,0 by simple twist, knot, or clamp device 1.002,0 by specialsealing mechanism 1.00.3,0 by standard industrial methods Opening, forUse of Frozen Contents:

1.000, 1 by tear strips or strings 1.000,2 by special configuration offrozen contents 2.000,0 for Home or Industrial Use.

fluid form. Fillable:

2.100,() by simple gravity flow 2.200,0 vacuum assisted flow 2.300,0pressure assisted flow 2.400,0 pressure and vacuum assisted flowAtmosphere in Container: 2.0l0,0 air space 2.020,0 vacuum 2.030,0 gasspace Closure:

2.001,0 by standard industrial methods 2.002,0 by special sea-lingmechanisms described 2.003,0 by standard industrial methods Closing ofIntercommunication of Compartments:

2.000,l with ultrasonic cleaning of joint surfaces 2.000,2 withoutcleaning of joint surfaces Opening for Use of Liquid Contents:

2000,01 by cutting or punching 2000,02 by tear notches, embrittlement oflocal areas, etc.

Fluid dispensed in The above table actually merely begins to disclosethe true breadth of possible modifications of the invention inasmuch asfurther variations based on size, shapes and materials, as previouslydiscussed are obtainable.

The variety of substances that may be packaged by containers accordingto the present invention is practically limitless. By using propercontainer materials the packaged contents may be sterilized,pasteurized, irradiated or processed in a wide variety of ways.

To all these substances the family of containers of the presentinvention is economically advantageous because of:

(1) Low direct cost per individual unit, from:

(a) Low cost of materials. Low priced, very thin, synthetics may beused.

(b) Simple manufacturing operations may be employed to produce a widevariety of container structures.

(0) Crowns, caps and/or closures are not needed.

(2) Low overall cost of containers, from:

(a) Low freight costs of empty containers. Containers pack flat incompact bundles.

(b) Low freight and outer packing costs of filled containers. Containersmay be constructed having high volumetric efficiency because ofcompactness when nested in staggered arrangements.

(3) Lowering processing costs, from:

(a) Simple equipment which may be employed in the filling, closing andhandling of the containers.

(b) Pasteurization and freezing accelerated and increased ineffectiveness by faster temperature changes possible in thin walledflexible containers.

By way of summary, and in outline form, the many uses of containersaccording to the present invention include the following:

(1) Where the contents are frozen and used in portions:

(a) In the home, for the making of ice cubes, sherbets, storing frozensoups, fruit juices, infant formulae, etc.

(b) In industry, for transporting and dispensing frozen milk and otherdairy products, fruit juices and pulps,

soups, sauces, ice cream, custard, infant formulae, for

neighborhood ice making, etc.

Pureed baby foods. Condensed or evaporated milk, soup, fruit juices andex tracts.

Mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, dressings, condiments, flavorings.

Jellies, marmalades, honey, molasses, syrups.

Cooking oils, lard, shortenings.

Wines, liquors, cordials, beer, and

Plain and carbonated drinks.

(3) In the pharmaceutical trade. For packaging shampoos, dyes, rinses,creams, lotions, salves, cosmetics, etc.

(4) In the automotive and industrial supply trade. For packaging oil andgasoline additives, cooling system aids, emorys and rouges, etc.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather tha'n'by the foregoingdescription and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:

1. A container including a body and at least one inlet so constructedand arranged that filling of said container body by passage therethroughof a material in fluid form is permitted, said body including frangiblewall portions so constructed and arranged as to encase and be capable ofmaintaining within their confines said material whether in fluid orsolidified form, and to permit the removal of a segment of said materialwhen in a solidified state by the rupture of a selected section of saidbody Without concomitant loss of the remainder of said material fromsaid container, said inlet including means operable for closing theinlet so positioned and constructed with respect to said containerbodyas to permit entry of said material yet selectively prohibitingescape of said material outwardly from said container body, said bodyfurther including at least one partition of thickness substantially thatof said wall portions whereby at least two compartments containing saidmaterial are defined within the container, said partition, along withsaid wall portions constituting the primary means by which theconfiguration of the container compartments when filled is determined.

2. A container according to,claim 1 wherein said partitions arediscontinuous so as to permit portions of said material to extendbetween and interconnect said com partments, the major cross-section ofsaid material portions being substantially less than the majorcross-section of the mass of material within each of said compartmentswhereby fracture of said container and its contents when in solidifiedform is relatively facile along the length of of said discontinuouspartitions, said partitions being so constructed and arranged that theyact as means for controlling the flow of material Within the containerand to inhibit the disproportionate accumulation of material in any onecontainer compartment, thematerial from which said body is constructedbeing stretchable whereby the encasing Walls of the containercompartments are adapted to expand laterally upon the entry of saidmaterial therein. .I 1 v V 3. A container according to claim 1 whereinthe rupture of a section of said body is facilitated by theconfiguration of at least one of said compartments.

4. A container according toclaim;=1I whereinf th'e means operableforclosing the inlet includes a fluid entry portal in one wall section ofsaidcontainenapanel juxtaposed to said wall section, an actuatable tabmechanism associated with said panel so constructed as to bring aportion of said panel into overlying engagement with said fluid entryportal upon actuation of s=aid'tab'rriechanism to inhibit the flow offluid therethrough.

5. A fluid entry and seal structure for use with a conetainer, saidstructure including a fluid entry portal in one wall section of saidcontainer, a panel juxtaposed to said wall section, a tabbed cover stripassociated with said panel so constructed as to bring a portion of saidpanel'into overlying engagement with s aidfiuid entry portal uponactuation of said tab mechanism to inhibit the fluid therethrough, anytendency toward disenagageinent of said container wall section and saidpanel being resisted by adhesive therebetween-and in contact therewith,said structure being so associated with the body of said container thatfilling of said container will facilitate the bringing of said wallsection and said panel into close, fluid-flow inhibiting juxtapositionprior to the'actuation of the tabbed cover strip 6. A fluid entry andseal structure according to claim 5 wherein said panel is composed of aportion of a second wall section of said container. g

7. A fluid entry and seal structure according to'claim 5 wherein saidtab mechanism is entirely detachable from the remainder of said fluidentry and seal structure upon complete actuation of said tab mechanism.

8. A fluid entry and seal structure for use with a container, saidstructure including a fluid entry portal in one section of saidstructure, a panel juxtaposed to said section, a tabbed cover stripassociated with said panel so constructed as'to bring a portion of saidpanel into overlying engagement with said fluid entry portal uponactuation of said tab mechanism to inhibit the flow of fluidtherethrough, said .tabled cover strip also including a. fluid entryportal positioned therethrough, said tabbed cover strip portal normallysubstantially coaxially overlying said first named portal, saidstructure further including air escape vent means cooperativelyassociated with the said portals for releasing air from said containerduring passage of material through said portals.

. 9. A disposable container so constructed and arranged that itscontents may be selectively dispensed therefrom, comprising at least twosubstantially, identical monopl-anar wall portions constructed inenvelope form from frangible material, selected segments of saidportions being sealed together so as to create at least onediscontinuous partition and a multiplicity of interconnectingcompartments within the container into which material when in fluidstate is adapted to flow during the filling of said container, but fromwhich said material may not leave upon the filling of the container andthe sealing together of selected segments of said walls so as to com-'pletesaid partitions and render said compartmentsnoncommunicating, saidpartitions being so constructed as to facilitate the breaking therefromsections of the container so as to permit removal therefrom of thecontents of at least one container compartment.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,166,568 7/39Kuhlke. 2,813,799 11/57 Bender et al. 2,870,954 1/59 Kulesza 229-,62.53,098,563 7/63 Skees.

FOREIGN PATENTS 241,793 11/ 62 Australia.

GEORGE'O'. RALSTON, Primary Examiner.

1. A CONTAINER INCLUDING A BOYD AND AT LEAST ONE INLET SO CONSTRUCTEDAND ARRANGED THAT FILLING OF SAID CONTAINER BODY BY PASSAGE THERETHROUGHOF A MATERIAL IN FLUID FORM IS PERMITTED, SAID BODY INCLUDING FRANGIBLEWALL PORTIONS SO CONSTRUCTED AND ARRANGED AS TO ENCCASE AND BE CAPABLEOF MAINTAINING WITHIN THEIR CONFINES SAID MATERIAL WHETHER IN FLUID ORSOLIDIFIED FORM, AND TO PERMIT THE REMOVAL OF A SEGMENT OF SAID MATERIALWHEN IN A SOLIDIFIED STATE BY THE RUPTURE OF A SELECTED SECTION OF SAIDBODY WITHOUT CONCOMITANT LOSS OF THE REMAINDER OF SAID MATERIAL FROMSAID CONTAINER, SAID INLET INCLUDING MEANS OPERABLE FOR CLOSING THEINLET SO POSITIONED AND CONSTRUCTED WITH RESPECT TO SAID CONTAINER BODYTO PERMIT ENTRY OF SAID MATERIAL YET SELECTIVELY PROHIBITING ESCAPE OFSAID MATE-